The United States has once again said it does not take sides when it comes to internal political matters in Bangladesh, as the opposition continues to push that Washington has issued a deadline for the Awami League government to step down ahead of the upcoming election.
"I will just say that, no, we do not take a side on internal political matters," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said while replying to a question at a regular media briefing in Washington on Thursday.
US Assistant Under Secretary Afreen Akhter recently paid a visit to Dhaka.
Pro-opposition speakers in different talk shows claimed that the US had issued a deadline to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign by November 3 or face the music. Though the US embassy has issued an explanation, opposition analysts continue to claim that the US stand with the opposition, prompting the journalist to ask for clarification.
Responding to the question, the spokesperson said Washington was monitoring reports about former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s health.
"We have encouraged the Bangladeshi government to ensure a fair and transparent legal process for her. And I don’t have anything to add to – an internal legal process," he said.
"I will take that back and get you a comment," Miller said when he was asked about BNP acting chief Tarique Rahman, a fugitive convict, described by a former US diplomat as a symbol of a violent politician in Bangladesh.
